Mission to Marshttp://www.ibtimes.com/mars-one-update-more-200000-individuals-applied-be-among-first-settlers-mars-1403712

Who's That Noisy

Who's That NoisyAnswer to last week: Ayn Rand

Questions and Emails

Question #1: BdellovibrioHey Guys! I recently attended a lecture, given by a researcher from Newcastle University, upon the topic of the bdellovibrio bacteria. This is a bacterium which invades other bacterial cells including pathogens harmful to humans, e.g. E. coli. I found this extremely interesting; it seems it could be a major replacement to our, ever more ineffective, antibiotics I would like to hear the host Dr Steven Novella’s, and the rest of the panel’s, opinions on it. I apologise if this has already been covered by the podcast. Thank you very much for your time, I’m a big fan and love the work you do: keep it up.
Yours faithfully
Sam Johnson

Item #1 ScienceNew research finds that hearing a salesperson flatter another customer causes a negative reaction to the salesperson but increases the desire to buy an expensive item. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/09/130910104834.htm

Item #2 FictionA new study finds that subjects were more likely to purchase a lottery ticket if they had just spent money on an expensive item. http://phys.org/news/2013-09-lottery-affect-consumers-self-control.html

Item #3 ScienceResearchers find that women are more likely to purchase expensive accessories when they feel threatened in their relationship, and that this strategy works because women are also less likely to pursue a man whose girlfriend has expensive accessories. http://www.sciencecodex.com/why_does_a_fancy_purse_say_stay_away_from_my_man-119058

Skeptical Quote of the Week

Skeptical Quote of the Week“When he found that his long cherished beliefs did not agree with the most precise observations, he accepted the uncomfortable facts. He preferred the hard truth to his dearest delusions, that is the heart of science.”
- Carl Sagan